The Nigerian military has entered a new phase of reorganisation and renewed counter-terrorism drive, with sweeping changes in Army leadership, new training in civilian protection for Air Force officers, and the arrest of a notorious terror leader in Niger State.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, yesterday approved major postings affecting top brass across the Nigerian Army. The shake-up includes new Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, two General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, training institution Commandants, and Brigade Commanders.
Announcing the changes, Acting Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said the move is part of efforts to reposition the force for greater operational effectiveness. Oluyede, while charging the newly appointed commanders, urged them to “redouble commitment” in sustaining the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges, stressing that troop welfare would remain a priority under his leadership.
At the same time, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is equipping its officers with new tools for modern warfare. It recently concluded its first Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) course — a five-day training aimed at reducing collateral damage in air operations. The initiative reflects the military’s growing emphasis on international humanitarian standards in combat.
In Niger State, counter-terrorism efforts yielded a breakthrough as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, working with armed forces and intelligence operatives, secured the arrest of the leader of the Mahmuda terror group, which had long terrorised Borgu communities. Northern advocacy group, Arewa Think Tank, hailed the feat as “one of Nigeria’s most significant security successes in recent times.”
Convener Muhammad Yakubu said the arrest was proof that coordination among security agencies under Ribadu’s watch was beginning to deliver results.